Fastener

ABSTRACT

A fastener used for mounting a mounting object having an insertion rib onto a support body having a mounting aperture. The fastener is previously fitted to the insertion rib of the mounting object and then inserted into the mounting aperture of the support body by pressing the insertion rib thereinto, thereby removably mounting the mounting object on the support body. The fastener includes a fastener body having a shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is adapted to elastically engage an inner edge of the mounting aperture of the support body when the fastener is inserted into the mounting aperture with the insertion rib. The fastener further includes a gripper portion provided on the fastener body and having at least one gripper surface and at least one engagement projection formed thereon. The gripper surface is adapted to contact the insertion rib of the mounting object when the fastener is fitted to the insertion rib. The engagement projection is adapted to engage a slot formed in the insertion rib of the mounting object when the fastener is fitted to the insertion rib.

This is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No.08/867,971, filed Jun. 3, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,966,782.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION58

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a clip or fastener used for removablymounting an instrument cluster, a center cluster or other members (whichwill be referred to as a "cluster" hereinafter) to an instrument panelof an automobile.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Conventionally, a fastener of this type is made of a spring metal plate.As shown in FIG. 15, the conventional fastener 200 is constituted of asubstantially V-shaped fastener body 201 and a pair of opposed grippertongues 202 inwardly stamped out from the fastener body 201. Thefastener body 201 has opposed shoulder portions 206 each of which isdesigned to engage an inner edge of a mounting aperture 242 formed in aninstrument panel 240 on which a cluster 230 having an insertion rib 232is to be mounted. Further, one of the gripper tongues 202 is formed withan engagement lip 204 which may engage a thin slot 234 formed in theinsertion rib 232 of the cluster 230 when the fastener 200 is fitted tothe insertion rib 232 by engaging the gripper tongues 202 with theinsertion rib 232.

The fastener 200 is previously fitted to the insertion rib 232 of thecluster 230 by engaging the gripper tongues 202 with the insertion rib232. The insertion rib 232 of the cluster 230 with the fastener 200 ispressed into the mounting aperture 242 of the instrument panel 240 untilseating surfaces 237 of the cluster 230 contact an outer surface of theinstrument panel 240. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, the fastener200 is inserted into the mounting aperture 242 with the insertion rib232 of the cluster 230, so that the shoulder portions 206 of thefastener body 201 securely engages the inner edge of the mountingaperture 242. As a result, the insertion rib 232 is fixed in themounting aperture 242 of the instrument panel 240. Thus, the cluster 230is mounted on the instrument panel 240.

However, the conventional fastener 200, when fitted to the insertion rib232 of the cluster 230, may easily incline or loosen since the grippertongues 202 of the fastener 200 cannot be sufficiently stabilized on theinsertion rib 232. This is because each gripper tongue 202 is of thepoint-contact type, which provides a very small area of contact with theinsertion rib 232. As a result, troublesome work is required to mountthe cluster 230 onto the instrument panel 240. Further, in a worse case,the fastener 200 fitted to the insertion rib 232 may accidentally falloff from the insertion rib 232 during handling of the cluster 230 beforethe cluster 230 is mounted on the instrument panel 240.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fastener which maybe sufficiently stabilized on an insertion rib of a cluster or mountingobject when it is fitted thereto, thereby facilitating work to mount themounting object onto an instrument panel or support body and preventingaccidental falling off of the fastener from the insertion rib.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fastenerwhich may steadily mount a mounting object on a support body withoutproducing looseness therebetween if there is a variation in thickness ofthe instrument panel.

The present invention provides a fastener used for mounting a mountingobject having an insertion rib onto a support body having a mountingaperture. The fastener is previously fitted to the insertion rib of themounting object and then inserted into the mounting aperture of thesupport body by pressing the insertion rib thereinto, thereby removablymounting the mounting object on the support body. The fastener includesa fastener body having a shoulder portion. The shoulder portion isadapted to elastically engage an inner edge of the mounting aperture ofthe support body when the fastener is inserted into the mountingaperture with the insertion rib. The fastener further includes a gripperportion provided on the fastener body and having at least one grippersurface and at least one engagement projection formed thereon. Thegripper surface is adapted to contact the insertion rib of the mountingobject when the fastener is fitted to the insertion rib. The engagementprojection is adapted to engage a slot formed in the insertion rib ofthe mounting object when the fastener is fitted to the insertion rib.

With the fastener of the present invention, the gripper surface of thegripper portion contacts the insertion rib of the mounting object whenthe fastener is fitted to the insertion rib of the mounting object.Further, the engagement projection engages the slot formed in the rib ofthe mounting object when the fastener is fitted to the insertion rib ofthe mounting object. Thus, the fastener is sufficiently stabilized onthe insertion rib of the mounting object when it is fitted thereto.Therefore, the mounting object can be easily mounted on the supportbody. Additionally, the fastener can be effectively prevented fromaccidental falling off from the insertion rib of the mounting object.

The fastener may have a stabilizer provided on the fastener body. Thestabilizer is adapted to elastically engage an outer surface of thesupport body when the fastener is inserted into the mounting aperture ofthe support body.

With the fastener thus constructed, when the fastener is inserted intothe mounting aperture of the support body, the shoulder portionelastically engages the inner edge of the mounting aperture of thesupport body, and simultaneously, the stabilizer elastically engages theouter surface of the support body. Thus, the mounting object can besteadily mounted on the support body without producing loosenesstherebetween if there is a variation in thickness of the support body.Therefore, the mounting object can be effectively prevented from shakingon the support body if the support body vibrates. This may lead toelimination of noise due to vibration of the support body.

Further, the fastener body may be designed so that the shoulder portionengages the inner edge of the mounting aperture of the support body whenthe insertion rib of the mounting object is pressed into the mountingaperture of the support body until a seating surface formed on themounting object contacts an outer surface of the support body.

With the fastener thus constructed, the mounting object can be steadilymounted on the support body without producing looseness therebetween.

The present invention will become more fully apparent from the claimsand the description as it proceeds in connection with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a fastener according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fastener;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fastener cut in half;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the fastener in use;

FIG. 5(A) is a fragmentary perspective view of a cluster showing aninsertion rib thereof;

FIG. 5(B) is an elevational view of the insertion rib;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a fastener according to a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fastener;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the fastener in use;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a fastener according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fastener;

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the fastener in use;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of a fastener according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fastener;

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of the fastener in use; and

FIG. 15 is an elevational view of a conventional fastener in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described indetail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted, however, thatthe present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference to FIGS. 1 to 5(B).

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a fastener 10 is integrally formed byinjection molding a resin. The fastener 10 is mainly constituted of asubstantially inverted V-shaped fastener body 12 having end portions, apair of opposed legs 14 provided on the end portions of the fastenerbody 12, and a pair of opposed gripper tongues 16 as a gripper portionprovided on an inner surface of the fastener body 12.

The gripper tongues 16 include a pair of flattened gripper surfaces 18disposed in substantially parallel opposed relation and are dimensionedsuch that the distance between the gripper surfaces 18 is slightlysmaller than the thickness of an insertion rib of a cluster (which willbe hereinafter described). The gripper tongues 16 are provided with apair of outwardly extending guide lips 20. As will be appreciated, theguide lips 20 may act as a guide member to reliably introduce theinsertion rib of the cluster into a space between the gripper surfaces18. Moreover, each gripper surface 18 is provided with an engagementprojection 22. The engagement projection 22 is arranged in the middle ofthe gripper surface 18 and includes an inclined leading surface so thatthe insertion rib of the cluster is easily introduced into the spacebetween the gripper surfaces 18. It is to be noted that gripper tongues16 can be spread to broaden the space between the gripper surfaces 18since the gripper tongues 16 are deformable because of its elasticity.

The fastener body 12 has a pair of opposed outer shoulder portions 24which extend along juncture portions of the fastener body 12 and thelegs 14. Further, each leg 14 is provided with a stabilizer lip 26 whichfrom the free end thereof. As will be easily understood, the outershoulder portions 24 and the legs 14 can be displaced outwardly andinwardly (laterally as viewed in FIG. 1) since the fastener body 12 canbe elastically deformed. Additionally, the stabilizer lip 26 can bedeformed upwardly and downwardly (vertically as viewed in FIG. 1)because of its elasticity.

Referring to FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), partly shown therein is a cluster 30as a mounting object which is to be mounted on an instrument panel(which will be hereinafter described) by the fastener 10. The cluster 30is integrally formed with a plurality of the insertion ribs 32 (one ofwhich is shown for illustration purposes) to which the fastener 10 willbe attached. The cluster 30 is also provided with a pair of plate-likeprojections 36 between which the insertion rib 32 is retained. Theinsertion rib 32 has a transversely elongated thin slot 34 which isdimensioned to be engageable with the engagement projections 22 of thegripper tongues 16 of the fastener 10. Additionally, each projection 36includes a pair of shouldered seating surfaces 37.

The operation of the fastener 10 thus constructed will now be describedin connection with the process for mounting the cluster onto theinstrument panel as a support body.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fastener 10 is pressed to the insertion rib 32of the cluster 30, with the forward end of the insertion rib 32positioned between the guide lips 20 of the gripper tongues 16. As aresult, the rib 32 is introduced into the space between the grippersurfaces 18 of the gripper tongues 16 while spreading the grippertongues 16. When the rib 32 is sufficiently inserted into the space, thegripper surfaces 18 squeezingly contact both side surfaces of the rib32, and simultaneously, the engagement projections 22 formed on thegripper tongues 16 engage the thin slot 34 of the rib 32. Thus, thefastener 10 is firmly fitted onto the insertion rib 32 of the cluster30.

Thereafter, the insertion rib 32 of the cluster 30 with the fastener 10is pressed into a mounting aperture 42 formed in the instrument panel40, so that the fastener 10 fitted to the insertion rib 32 is insertedinto the mounting aperture 42 of the instrument panel 40 while inwardlyflexing the fastener body 12. At this time, the outer shoulder portions24 of the fastener body 12 elastically engage an inner edge 46 of themounting aperture 42, and simultaneously, the stabilizer lips 26elastically engage an outer surface 44 of the instrument panel 40. As aresult, the insertion rib 32 of the cluster 30 is fixed in the mountingaperture 42 of the instrument panel 40 by the fastener 10. Thus, thecluster 30 is removably mounted on the instrument panel 40.

It is to be noted that the fastener 10, when fitted to the insertion rib32 of the cluster 30, cannot easily incline or loosen since the grippertongues 16 of the fastener 10 are sufficiently stabilized on theinsertion rib 32, because each gripper tongue 16 provides a large areaof contact with the insertion rib 32. Therefore, the insertion rib 32 ofthe cluster 30 with the fastener 10 can be easily pressed into themounting aperture 42 formed on the instrument panel 40. This mayeliminate troublesome work to mount the cluster 30 onto the instrumentpanel 40. Moreover, the fastener 10 can be effectively prevented fromaccidentally falling off from the insertion rib 32 during handling ofthe cluster 30.

Additionally, the stabilizer lips 26 elastically engage the outersurface 44 of the instrument panel 40, thereby stabilizing the fastener10 in the mounting aperture 42. Therefore, the fastener 10 permitssteady mounting of the cluster 30 on the instrument panel 40 if there isa variation in thickness of the instrument panel 40, because thestabilizer lips 26 may compensate for the differences of the thicknessto properly engage the outer surface 44 of the instrument panel 40.

To remove the cluster 30 from the instrument panel 40 for maintenance orother purposes, the cluster 30 may be simply pulled. When the cluster 30is pulled, the fastener body 12 of the fastener 10 is inwardly flexed todisengage the outer shoulder portions 24 of the fastener body 12 fromthe inner edge 46 of the mounting aperture 42, so that the insertion rib32 of the cluster 30 is pulled out from the mounting aperture 42. Thus,the cluster 30 is removed from the instrument panel 40.

It should be noted that the cluster 30 can be removed from theinstrument panel 40, with the fastener 10 fitted to the insertion rib 32of the cluster 30, because the fastener 10 is reliably fitted to theinsertion rib 32. As a result, the cluster 30 can be remounted on theinstrument panel 40 without any additional work.

A second embodiment of the present invention modified from the firstembodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, whereinconstructions and operation identical with or similar to those of thefirst embodiment will not be explained.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a fastener 50 is mainly constituted of asubstantially inverted V-shaped fastener body 52 having end portions, apair of opposed legs 54 provided on the end portions of the fastenerbody 52, and a pair of opposed gripper tongues 56 provided on the innersurface of the fastener body 52.

The gripper tongues 56 include a pair of gripper surfaces 58 disposed insubstantially parallel opposed relation. As will be apparent from thedrawings, each gripper surface 58 has a surface area greater than thatof the gripper surface 18 in the first embodiment. Each gripper surface58 is also provided with an engagement projection 62. The engagementprojection 62 is arranged in the distal end of the gripper surface 58and has an inclined leading surface.

The fastener body 52 has a pair of opposed thickened portions whichextend along juncture portions of the fastener body 52 and the legs 54,thereby forming a pair of opposed outer shoulder portions 64 extendingtherealong. Further, each leg 54 is provided with a stabilizer lip 66which outwardly projects from the free end thereof.

The operation of the fastener 50 thus constructed will now be describedin connection with the process for mounting a cluster (which is the samecluster as in the first embodiment) onto an instrument panel (which isthe same instrument panel as in the first embodiment).

As shown in FIG. 8, like the fastener 10 in the first embodiment, thefastener 50 is pressed to the insertion rib 32 of the cluster 30. As aresult, the rib 32 is introduced into a space between the grippersurfaces 58 of the gripper tongues 56. When the rib 32 is sufficientlyinserted into the space, the gripper surfaces 58 squeezingly contact theboth side surfaces of the rib 32, and simultaneously, the engagementprojections 62 formed on the gripper tongues 56 engage the thin slot 34of the rib 32. Thus, the fastener 50 is firmly fitted onto the insertionrib 32 of the cluster 30.

Thereafter, the insertion rib 32 of the cluster 30 with the fastener 50is pressed into the mounting aperture 42 formed on the instrument panel40, so that the fastener 50 fitted to the insertion rib 32 is insertedinto the mounting aperture 42. At this time, the shoulder portions 64 ofthe fastener body 52 elastically engage the inner edge 46 of themounting aperture 42, and simultaneously, the stabilizer lips 66elastically engage the outer surface 44 of the instrument panel 40. As aresult, the insertion rib 32 of the cluster 30 is fixed in the mountingaperture 42 of the instrument panel 40 by the fastener 50. Thus, thecluster 30 is removably mounted on the instrument panel 40.

A third embodiment of the present invention modified from the secondembodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11,wherein constructions and operation identical with or similar to thoseof the second embodiment will not be explained.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a fastener 70 is mainly constituted of asubstantially inverted U-shaped fastener body 72 having end portions, apair of opposed legs 74 provided on the end portions of the fastenerbody 72, and a pair of opposed gripper tongues 76 provided on the innersurface of the fastener body 72. As will be apparent from the drawings,the fastener 70 has a length greater than that of the fastener 50 of thesecond embodiment.

The gripper tongues 76 include a pair of gripper surfaces 78 disposed insubstantially parallel opposed relation. Each gripper surface 78 is alsoprovided with an engagement projection 82. The engagement projection 82is disposed on the distal end of the gripper surface 78 and has aninclined leading surface.

The fastener body 72 has a pair of opposed thickened portions whichextend along juncture portions of the fastener body 72 and the legs 74,thereby forming a pair of opposed outer shoulder portions 84 extendingtherealong. Further, each leg 74 has a stabilizer lip 86 which outwardlyprojects from the free end thereof.

The operation of the fastener 70 thus constructed will now be describedin connection with the process for mounting a cluster (which is the samecluster as in the first embodiment) onto an instrument panel (which isthe same instrument panel as in the first embodiment).

As shown in FIG. 11, like the fastener 50 in the second embodiment, thefastener 70 is pressed to the insertion rib 32 of the cluster 30. As aresult, the rib 32 is introduced into a space between the grippersurfaces 78 of the gripper tongues 76. When the rib 32 is sufficientlyinserted into the space, the gripper surfaces 78 squeezingly contact theboth side surfaces of the rib 32, and simultaneously, the engagementprojections 82 formed on the gripper tongues 76 engage the thin slot 34of the rib 32. Thus, the fastener 70 is firmly fitted onto the insertionrib 32 of the cluster 30.

Thereafter, the insertion rib 32 of the cluster 30 with the fastener 70is pressed into the mounting aperture 42 formed on the instrument panel40 until the seating surfaces 37 of the cluster 30 contact the outersurface 44 of the instrument panel 40. At this time, the fastener 70 isinserted into the mounting aperture 42 with the insertion rib 32, sothat the shoulder portions 84 of the fastener body 72 elastically engagethe inner edge 46 of the mounting aperture 42. As a result, theinsertion rib 32 of the cluster 30 is fixed in the mounting aperture 42of the instrument panel 40 by the fastener 70, with the seating surface37 biased towards the outer surface 44 of the instrument panel 40. Thus,the cluster 30 is removably mounted on the instrument panel 40.

As will be apparent from FIG. 11, in this embodiment, the stabilizerlips 86 does not engage the outer surface 44 of the instrument panel 40.Therefore, the stabilizer lips 86 can be eliminated from the legs 74. Onthe other hand, the stabilizer lips 86 can be dimensionally modified toeffectively engage the outer surface 44 of the instrument panel 40, soas to increase stabilizing performance of the cluster 30 on theinstrument panel 40.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention modified from the secondembodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14,wherein constructions and operation identical with or similar to thoseof the second embodiment will not be explained.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a fastener 90 is mainly constituted of asubstantially inverted V-shaped fastener body 92 having end portions, apair of opposed legs 94 provided on the end portions of the fastenerbody 92, and a pair of opposed gripper tongues 96 provided on the innersurface of the fastener body 92. As will be apparent from the drawings,the fastener 90 has a rounded outer shape which is somewhat differentfrom the outer shape of the fastener 50 of the second embodiment.

The gripper tongues 96 include a pair of gripper surfaces 98 disposed insubstantially parallel opposed relation. Each gripper surface 98 alsohas an engagement projection 102. The engagement projection 102 isdisposed on the distal end of the gripper surface 98 and has an inclinedleading surface.

The fastener body 92 has a pair of opposed thickened portions whichextend along juncture portions of the fastener body 92 and the legs 94,thereby forming a pair of opposed outer shoulder portions 104 extendingtherealong.

The operation of the fastener 90 thus constructed will now be describedin connection with the process for mounting a cluster (which is the samecluster as in the first embodiment) onto an instrument panel (which isthe same instrument panel as in the first embodiment).

As shown in FIG. 14, like the fastener 50 in the second embodiment, thefastener 90 is pressed onto the insertion rib 32 of the cluster 30. As aresult, the rib 32 is introduced into a space between the grippersurfaces 98 of the gripper tongues 96. When the rib 32 is sufficientlyinserted into the space, the gripper surfaces 98 squeezingly contact theboth side surfaces of the rib 32, and simultaneously, the engagementprojections 102 formed on the gripper tongues 96 engage the thin slot 34of the rib 32. Thus, the fastener 90 is firmly fitted onto the insertionrib 32 of the cluster 30.

Thereafter, the insertion rib 32 of the cluster 30 with the fastener 90is pressed into the mounting aperture 42 formed in the instrument panel40 until the seating surfaces 37 of the cluster 30 contact the outersurface 44 of the Instrument panel 40. At this time, the fastener 90 isinserted into the mounting aperture 42 with the insertion rib 32, sothat the shoulder portions 104 of the fastener body 90 elasticallyengage the inner edge 46 of the mounting aperture 42. As a result, theinsertion rib 32 of the cluster 30 is fixed in the mounting aperture 42of the instrument panel 40 by the fastener 90, with the seating surface37 biased towards the outer surface 44 of the instrument panel 40. Thus,the cluster 30 is removably mounted on the instrument panel 40.

As will be apparent from the drawings, in this embodiment, no stabilizerlip is provided on the engagement lips 94. However, the engagement lips94 can be provided with stabilizer lips to engage the outer surface 44of the instrument panel 40, so as to increase stabilizing performance ofthe cluster 30 on the instrument panel 40.

Although in the above preferred embodiments, the fastener is used tomount the cluster onto the instrument panel, such a fastener may be usedfor many applications, for example, to mount a garnish, a molding andlike members onto an automobile body. Additionally, the fastener mayhave various configurations, depending on the purposes.

The preferred embodiments herein described are intended to beillustrative of the invention and not to limit the invention to theprecise form herein described. They are chosen and described to explainthe principles of the invention and their application and practical useto enable others skilled in the art to practice the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrally molded fastener, comprising:a bodyhaving an elastic shoulder portion and an interior surface; and a pairof gripper tongues disposed on the interior surface of the body, thegripper tongues each having a flat surface and engagement projectionsextending inwardly from a center portion of each said flat surface,wherein the pair of engagement projections is constructed and arrangedto engage an aperture in an insertion rib, the pair of flat surfacesbeing in a parallel opposed relation and being constructed and arrangedto facially contact and squeeze both side surfaces of the insertion ribwhen the fastener is fitted onto the insertion rib,the fastener therebybeing firmly and stably fitted onto the insertion rib.
 2. A fastener asin claim 1, wherein the body has a shape selected from the groupconsisting of a V-shape, a U-shape and a rounded shape.
 3. A fastener asin claim 1, wherein the body, gripper tongues, and engagementprojections are formed of integrally molded resin.
 4. A fastener as inclaim 1, further comprising at least one elastic stabilizer disposed onone end of the body.
 5. In combination,the fastener of claim 4; acluster comprising an insertion rib having an aperture and a pair ofplate-like projections supporting the insertion rib, each plate-likeprojection having a pair of shouldered seating surfaces, wherein thepair of fastener engagement projections engage the insertion ribaperture and the fastener gripper tongue flat surfaces facially contactand squeeze the insertion rib; and a panel having an inner surface, anouter surface and an aperture, wherein the fastener body is inserted inthe panel aperture, the fastener body shoulder contacts the panel innersurface and the stabilizer contacts the panel outer surface.
 6. Afastener as in claim 1, wherein the body has two shoulder portions,wherein a leg extends from each shoulder portion and an elasticstabilizer is disposed on each leg.
 7. In combination,the fastener ofclaim 6; a cluster comprising an insertion rib having an aperture and apair of plate-like projections supporting the insertion rib, eachplate-like projection having a pair of shouldered seating surfaces,wherein the fastener engagement projections engage the insertion ribaperture and the fastener gripper tongue flat surfaces facially contactand squeeze the insertion rib; and a panel having an inner surface, anouter surface and an aperture, wherein the fastener body is inserted inthe panel aperture, the fastener body shoulder contacts the panel innersurface and the stabilizers contact the panel outer surface.
 8. Afastener as in claim 1, further comprising a guide portion disposed oneach gripper tongue, the pair of guide portions disposed in asubstantially V-shaped configuration.
 9. In combination,the fastener ofclaim 8; a cluster comprising an insertion rib having an aperture and apair of plate-like projections supporting the insertion rib, eachplate-like projection having a pair of shouldered sealing surfaces,wherein the fastener engagement projections engage the insertion ribaperture and the fastener gripper tongue flat surfaces facially contactand squeeze the insertion rib; and a panel having an inner surface, anouter surface and an aperture, wherein the fastener body is inserted inthe panel aperture and the fastener body shoulder contacts the panelinner surface.
 10. A fastener as in claim 8, wherein the guide portionscomprise guide lips.
 11. A fastener as in claim 1, wherein theengagement projections have inclined leading faces.
 12. Incombination,the fastener of claim 11; a cluster comprising an insertionrib having an aperture and a pair of plate-like projections supportingthe insertion rib, each plate-like projection having a pair ofshouldered seating surfaces, wherein the fastener engagement projectionsengage the insertion rib aperture and the fastener gripper tongue flatsurfaces facially contact and squeeze the insertion rib; and a panelhaving an inner surface, an outer surface and an aperture, wherein thefastener body is inserted in the panel aperture and the fastener bodyshoulder contacts the panel inner surface.
 13. In combination,thefastener of claim 1; a cluster comprising an insertion rib having anaperture and a pair of plate-like projections supporting the insertionrib, each plate-like projection having a pair of shouldered seatingsurfaces, wherein the fastener engagement projections engage theinsertion rib aperture and the fastener gripper tongue flat surfacesfacially contact and squeeze the insertion rib; and a panel having aninner surface, an outer surface and an aperture, wherein the fastenerbody is inserted in the panel aperture and the fastener body shouldercontacts the panel inner surface.
 14. A combination as in claim 13,wherein the cluster shouldered seating surfaces contact the panel outersurface.
 15. A fastener as in claim 1, further comprising:two elasticstabilizers, and a guide portion disposed on each gripper tongue, thepair of guide portions disposed in a substantially V-shapedconfiguration, each of the guide portions comprising a guide lip,wherein the body has a V-shape and has two shoulder portions with a legextending from each shoulder portion, wherein one elastic stabilizer isdisposed on each leg, wherein the engagement projections have inclinedleading faces and wherein the body, gripper tongues and engagementprojections are integrally molded resin.
 16. In combination,the fastenerof claim 15; a cluster comprising the insertion rib and a pair ofplate-like projections supporting the insertion rib, each plate-likeprojection having pair of shouldered seating surfaces, wherein the pairof fastener engagement projections engage the insertion rib aperture andthe fastener gripper tongue flat surfaces facially contact and squeezethe insertion rib; and a panel having an inner surface, an outer surfaceand an aperture, wherein the fastener body is inserted in the panelaperture, the fastener body shoulder contacts the panel inner surfaceand the stabilizers contact the panel outer surface.
 17. An integrallymolded fastener for use in reversibly mounting a mounting object on apanel, wherein the fastener is fitted onto an insertion rib of themounting object and the fastener is inserted into a mounting aperture ofthe panel, comprising:a fastener body having an interior portion and ashoulder portion, the shoulder portion capable of elastically engagingan inner edge of the mounting aperture when the fastener is insertedinto the mounting aperture of the panel; a gripper portion disposed onthe interior portion of the fastener body comprising a pair of opposedgripper tongues integrally formed on the inner portion of the fastenerbody, a pair of flat surfaces formed on the pair of opposed grippertongues in a parallel opposed relation, the pair of flat surfacescontacting opposite surfaces of the insertion rib when the fastener isfitted onto the insertion rib; and a pair of engagement projectionsdisposed respectively on center portions the flat surfaces that arecapable of engaging a slot formed in the insertion rib,the fastenerthereby being firmly and stably fitted onto the insertion rib.
 18. Afastener as in claim 17, further comprising a stabilizer disposed on thefastener body, the stabilizer capable of elastically engaging an outersurface of the panel when the fastener is inserted into the panel.
 19. Afastener as in claim 17, wherein the fastener body is formed such thatthe shoulder portion engages the inner edge of the mounting aperture ofthe panel when the insertion rib is pressed into the mounting apertureuntil a seating surface on the mounting object contacts an outer surfaceof the panel.
 20. A fastener as in claim 17, wherein a guide portion isdisposed on each of the gripper portions, whereby the guide portion canguide the insertion rib.
 21. A fastener as in claim 20, wherein theguide portion comprises a guide lip.
 22. A fastener as in claims 17,wherein the fastener body has a substantially V-shaped configuration.23. A fastener as in claim 17, wherein the fastener body and the gripperportion are integrally formed from a resin.
 24. A fastener as in claim17, wherein the at least one engagement projection comprises anengagement surface capable of engaging an inner surface of the slot. 25.A fastener as in claim 17, wherein the at least one engagementprojection comprises an inclined leading surface, whereby the inclinedleading surface can guide the insertion rib.
 26. A fastener as in claim17, further comprising a stabilizer disposed on the fastener body, thestabilizer capable of elastically engaging an outer surface of the panelwhen the fastener is inserted into the panel and wherein the pair ofengagement projections comprise:engagement surfaces capable of engagingan inner surface of the slot, and inclined leading surfaces, whereby theinclined leading surfaces can guide the insertion rib, wherein thefastener body is formed such that the shoulder portion engages the inneredge of the mounting aperture of the panel when the insertion rib ispressed into the mounting aperture until a seating surface on themounting object contacts an outer surface of the panel, wherein a guideportion is disposed on each of the gripper portions, whereby the guideportion can guide the insertion rib, wherein the guide portion comprisesa guide lip, wherein the fastener body has a substantially V-shapedconfiguration and wherein the fastener body and the gripper portion areintegrally formed from a resin.